Standard Media Index Adds Horizon Media to Growing Ad Spend Data Pool

NEW YORK, Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard Media Index (SMI), the global provider of independent and real-time advertising spend data, today announced the addition of Horizon Media, the largest privately held media agency in the world, to SMI's growing ad spend pool. SMI now captures 80 percent of total U.S. agency spend, coming exclusively from the booking systems of five of the six global media holding groups, as well as leading independents.

"We have quickly become the new industry standard for global ad spend data, and this important partnership with Horizon Media is another step towards providing all players in the media sector with more accurate and timely data that can drive better, faster decision making," said James Fennessy, Chief Commercial Officer, SMI. "The addition of Horizon Media, as the largest privately held media agency in the world, continues to improve the accuracy of our U.S. data and provides media owners and the finance community with the most accurate look at the flow of dollars across the ecosystem."

"Operating without accurate and timely spend data causes enormous inefficiencies," said Marianne Gambelli, Chief Investment Officer at Horizon Media. "SMI provides tremendous visibility for marketers and will further increase the value we can deliver for our brand partners."

About Standard Media IndexStandard Media Index (SMI) offers access to accurate and real-time advertising spend data across all media types, including the fast-moving digital sector. SMI's data enables media owners and the finance community to track growth and competitive advertising share against every U.S. media entity. SMI's proprietary methodology now captures 80 percent of total agency spend from the booking systems of the world's largest media buying groups, offering timely, unparalleled visibility of global macro and micro market dynamics. Soon available in 15 global markets, SMI is the new global industry benchmark for timely, accurate advertising spend.

About Horizon MediaHorizon Media, Inc. is one of the largest and fastest-growing privately held media services agencies in the world. The company was founded in 1989, is headquartered in New York and has offices in Los Angeles, San Diego and Chicago. Horizon Media was chosen as 2011 Independent Media Agency of the Year by Mediapost; 2010 U.S. Media Agency of the Year by Adweek, Brandweek and Mediaweek as well as by Ad Age; and as one of the world's 10 most innovative marketing and advertising companies by Fast Company in 2011. In 2012, Bill Koenigsberg, President, CEO and Founder, was honored by Advertising Age as Industry Executive of the Year. Most recently, in 2014, Bill Koenigsberg was named 4As Chair of the Board and is the first person from a media agency to hold this prestigious position in the 100-year history of the 4As, the marketing industry's leading trade association.

The company's mission is "To create the most meaningful brand connections within the lives of people everywhere." By delivering on this mission through a holistic approach to brand marketing, Horizon Media has become one of the largest and fastest-growing media agencies in the industry, with estimated billings of over $4.3 billion and over 950 employees.

The company is also a founding member of Columbus Media International, a multi-national partnership of independent media agencies. For more information, please visit http://www.horizonmedia.com.